Truly spectacular views and shore birds, too!
The Point is 200 plus acres of windswept sandy beaches, crashing surf, intertidal shoals, tidal pools and estuarine wetlands. The bayberry thickets are one of the last thickets left on New Jersey’s coast.
Only 14% of New Jersey’s coast is undeveloped. Even less that has not been ‘stabilized’ by beach replenishment, jetties or groins. The natural process of waves, tides and winds have been left to shape and reshape the Point for centuries.
The Point offers easy, accessible shorebird viewing. It’s home to Piping Plovers, Common Terns, Least Terns, Black Skimmers, Red Knots, American Oystercatchers and many more. Some of these interesting and unique beach nesting birds fly thousands of miles from the arctic circle to South America, each year. Choosing to stop over at the Point. In the spring and fall, the Point is that critical stopping off point for numerous migrating shorebirds. Some of these shorebirds have flown four days non-stop from South America, to reach the Point! In the spring many shorebirds also return here to mate and nest for the summer. Virtually every type of shorebird can be seen here, depending upon the season.
Soon the Point will welcome visitors to two new observation platforms to see and learn about the hundreds of varying shore birds.
On the walk back from the new observation platforms, keep an eye and ear tuned toward the bayberry thickets, four dozen different species of song birds and dozens of different species of butterflies can be seen here, depending on the season.
When planning your visit make sure to include a sunrise or a sunset with the hundreds of shorebirds swirling about, a sight you’ll never forget!
In the summer season, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. you’ll need a beach tag. With a beach tag you can also enjoy any of the the guarded beaches in Stone Harbor or Avalon for a swim or sunbathing. There is parking and porto-potties in the parking lot at 122nd Street.
On Tuesday evenings, in season, at 6:00 p.m. join guides from New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory to see the Point with a knowledgeable birder. A nominal fee is charged. Call ( 609 ) 861 - 0700 for details or www.njaudubon.org/Centers/CMBO/
On Tuesday mornings, in season, at 7:30 a.m. join guides from the Wetlands Institute for a bird walk to the Point. A nominal donation is suggested. Call ( 609 ) 368-1211 for details or www.wetlandsinstitute.org
